Reach Community Church 2/177 Beavers Road Northcote VIC 3070
Tel: (03) 9481 6889 Email: info@reachcc.org
www.reachcc.org
Pastor: Victor Soo Church Administrator: Sharon Oen
Due our to COV susp activiti ID-19, e not ended s are t some o ice. e u serv Our ntil fu mporar f i c y c be a e is n elebr rther ow a c t c i e o Sun o s day sed at nline a n 10a - rea m nd c chc c.or every an g/o nlin e.
CHURCH SERVICE Celebration Service REACH Kids
Chinese Service
Sunday Sunday
l 10am - 12pm l 11am - 12pm
Saturday l 7pm - 9pm
PRAYER MEETING
Monthly Ministry & Prayer Intercessory Prayer
1st Friday of the Month l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Tuesday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
BIBLE STUDY
Young Adults
University & Youth Groups
Family
Wednesday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm Friday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm Monday l 8pm - 10pm
Friday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
OTHER ACTIVITIES Praise Dance
MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers)
Ladies’ Meeting Men’s Breakfast
Thursday l 10am - 12pm Every 2nd & 4th Friday l 10am - 12pm Quarterly Quarterly
Welcome to the Nineteenth issue of REACH. In this issue, the focus is on placing our faith on God, using God’s Word as our offensive weapon, fighting the spiritual war during this uncertain time. May we be encouraged by a testimony giving God the Glory. There is also a movie and book review, and a recipe that is great for when you want a healthy snack. Reach Message
Placing our faith upon a faithful God, not upon our faith in God Reach Insight
God’s Word: our offensive weapon Reach Character
Practise Alertness Reach Testimony
To God be the Glory Reach Reflection
Fighting the spiritual war Reach Movie
Breakthrough Reach Book Review
The rare jewel of Christian contentment Reach Recipe
Weet-Bix mixed fruit cookies Reach Teaser
Bible Trivia
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welcome
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Reach Message
Placing our faith upon a faithful God, not upon our faith in God
Reach / Winter 2020
By Pastor Victor Soo
There is a great misconception that after we become a Christian, all our pain and sufferings shall be gone. The Bible gives a different account, attesting Christians are not exempt from trials and sufferings. Even our Lord Jesus Christ had to undergo much of the same and more. He suffered both emotional and physical abuse and eventually death despite being innocent. The Bible tells of many faithful people who, in their belief in God, suffered much in life and yet did not see the promises of God fulfilled in their lives. Abraham did not live to see his grandchildren. Moses did not enter the Promised Land. Jesus lived only a life of 33 years, and when measured in accordance to man’s standard, was a failure. Yet they are all named as heroes of faith. Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Life is filled with hardships arising from various circumstances. This current pandemic has exposed our vulnerability as it is an incident hitting the world in every aspect of life. Nothing has been left unshaken and unaffected. Wealth, status and power can shield no one at such times. No solution has yet been discovered, but God alone knows and has all things under His Control, for He is our Peace. Contentment and protection are not found in tangible things but in the Person of God. For He is a faithful God who has rescued humanity through history. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the
way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”.
The Bible’s many accounts of hardship give us comfort, knowing that God has always been there for those who call upon Him. Our security needs to be in God alone who understands, for He has lost a Son. During your challenges, seek and feed on God’s Word, the Bread of Life. Instead of worrying and being anxious about your needs, go to God in prayers. Jeremiah 33:2-3 “Thus says the LORD who
made it, the LORD who formed it and established it (the LORD is His name): ‘Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’” During a drought, Isaac did not surrender to the elements. He sowed and received a 100% yield because he trusted God. You may be going through a drought with finance, relationship, employment or even with health; note that God is working alongside you. It is to develop you in character as part of His process in maturing you. God cares for humanity holistically. Your difficulties may be long but the faithful God shall remain with you, and in due time, supply your needs as He has promised. Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we
also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Isaac learned from his father Abraham who before him experienced a famine, and was consequently blessed. There are three principles we can learn from that experience.
2. Obey God’s command of faith
Genesis 26:3-4 Dwell in this land, and I
Genesis 26:5 because Abraham obeyed
Just as a car will not move until you start the engine, you will not be blessed until you first obey. Isaac recognised the famine but had an eye upon God. He did not know how The Lord shall provide but he had seen how God provided for his father Abraham. When Moses was in the wilderness, yet there was food and water, miraculously supplied by God. Now, that was the moment of glory for Isaac and all he needed was to put his trust in a faithful God. Do not be moved by mere emotions but anchor your intellect first upon God’s Promises. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.
Joshua was given a gargantuan task to take a nation of starving refugees over to The Promised Land. The command from God to Joshua was merely be “strong and courageous”. That’s all! In the face of something impossible, obey, and God shall do the rest. In the same way when we face trials and tribulations, we need to be strong and courageous with our eyes focused upon Jesus and not the environment. Do not let fear or discouragements deter you and never waver at God’s Promises. Remember to obey by trusting in our God who is faithful to deliver. Joshua 1:6-7 Be strong and of good
courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Reach / Winter 2020
will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.
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Reach Message
1. Obey a faithful God
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Reach Message
3. Obey a God of Covenants Genesis 26:5 because Abraham obeyed
Reach / Winter 2020
My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.
The Hebrew words, huqqah and torah are translated as “decrees” and “laws” respectively. A decree is an edict set out by an authority; whereas a law is a set of rules designed for a community. Decrees are also known as covenants and are irrevocable. When you serve God, then you shall be blessed. Laws like the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 kept the Israelites as a homogeneous people, uniquely separated from other communities. As they obeyed the commandments, they were known as God’s people, and The Lord watched over
them and was their cover. No one could harm them. Covenants are unchangeable, for God’s nature being He cannot lie. His Promises are “yes” and “amen”. Titus 1:2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, In conclusion, our responsibility is to obey and trust in a faithful God and not upon our faith in God. Our trust is established upon the Nature of God, and His Infallible Truth attesting His Faithfulness. It has to be a trust in God and not upon our emotional faith upon God. Man is unfaithful and more so during adverse circumstances. Obey Him with all your heart and soul, then God shall add all His blessings unto you.
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God’s Word:
Reach Insight
Our Offensive Weapon
God’s Word never changes. God’s Word never fails. We are guaranteed to face hardships and difficulties during our lifetime but using God’s Word, we can triumph all the time.
We are in a spiritual war
Like Jesus and the apostles before us, we have an enemy who is willing to go at all lengths to destroy us. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Our enemy has a well organised army with an agenda to cause our downfall. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12) Thankfully, the enemy has been defeated, regardless of his continuing attacks. And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:18-19)
God has given us His Word to fight and win against the enemy
God has given us spiritual weapons to triumph over the enemy’s attacks. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil...Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10-11,13) Of the spiritual weapons God has given to us, the offensive weapon provided is His Word. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:14-18) This weapon is effective and Jesus used it successfully against the enemy when He was tempted. But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’...Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”...Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:4,7,10-11)
Reach / WInter 2020
By Amarachi Nnah-Ogbonda
Reach / Winter 2020
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Reach Insight Prepare to win the wars ahead by investing in God’s Word
Delight yourself and feast continually on God’s Word to allow for continuous supply of power from God. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3) Allow God’s Word to transform your way of thinking so you see situations like He does. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) Let God’s Word take root in your heart and build your faith to sustain you during hard times. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17) Allow God’s Word to correct and refine you so you can stand boldly when resisting the enemy. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
We were born to win but we need to choose to win
Thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice, the enemy’s power over mankind has been destroyed. However, we have a stubborn enemy who will not back down until He is resisted. God has provided us with His Word to win against the enemy. Like every other thing God has given mankind, we have a choice whether to use this powerful weapon or not. We have recently experienced hard times due to COVID-19 and much harder times will come to the world and to Christians. The time to prepare ourselves for future personal and general wars is now. I encourage you to feast on God’s Word as though your life depends on it because it does. You can start with a few minutes per day as you gradually build your appetite and strength for more. Short books like the New Testament epistles are a great place to start if you do not already have an established bible reading rhythm. Most of the epistles can be read in under 20 minutes. May you be encouraged and strengthened to prepare for the wars ahead.
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Practise Alertness
Reach Character
for solutions. There are many news and posts that are misleading and untrue, it is During this time of uncertainty, many people are searching for answers, and asking for solutions. important that we continue to be alert, and not be deceived by the world, and blinded There are many news and posts that are misleading and untrue, it is important that we continue to by our own fear and anxiety. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil be alert, and not be deceived by the world, and blinded by our own fear and anxiety. “Be sober, be walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). And above all, pray, commit our fear and anxiety to God. “Devote yourself to prayer with an alert vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may ‐ mind and a thankful heart.” (Colossians 4:2, NLT). prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (Colossians 4:2, NLT).
Aware of our wrong thoughts and
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)
Learn to pay attention to the
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)
Esteem the Word of God as the
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalms 119:105)
Remove worldly distractions from
“Watch out! Don’t’ let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:34‐36, NLT)
Test what are presented to us in
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:21‐22)
Notice the warning signs in life.
He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who takes warning will save his life. (Ezekiel 33:5)
Embrace solitude and silence, to
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46:10‐11)
Sense the subtlety of the bad
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15)
Stay away from bad influence.
Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
attitudes.
voice of the Holy Spirit.
guide in our life.
our life.
the media.
be still before God.
influence in our life.
Reach / Winter 2020
During this time of uncertainty, many people are searching for answers, and asking Practise Alertness
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Reach Testimony
To God Be the Glory
Reach / Winter 2020
By Danny Tanyi
In May 2018, I had an offer to complete a master’s degree at the University of Melbourne. I was engaged, and this meant I had to leave my then fiancé behind in Cameroon. We knew this was God’s will, so in July 2018, I moved to Melbourne. By the grace of God, a couple of months after I arrived in Melbourne, I got a part time job in the Telecommunications industry. The Lord granted me good health, wisdom, and strength to work and study full time. In January 2019, I returned to Cameroon to get married. I had only taken two weeks off from work, so a week after my wedding I left my wife, Lesly, to return to Melbourne. When I returned to Melbourne, I lodged a visa application for Lesly to join me in Melbourne. Five months later, in July 2019, while on my way to work I received an email from the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) advising that her visa application had been refused. At that moment, a word came to my Spirit, “Naked I came into this world, naked I will return. The Lord gives and takes. It is well. God is sovereign over all and causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.” He gave me peace, hope, and faith. Two days later, Reach Community Church (which I am a member of) was hosting the United Praise and Prayer night. This night of praise and prayer is held quarterly and many churches around Melbourne come together and pray. A visiting pastor at the prayer meeting told the church she had a word for someone there that night. It was based on the story of Jesus and the widow of Nain. The pastor concluded, “It appears it’s all over. But God wants you to know it’s not.” Oh! How God loves us that in such difficult moment, He decided to send a timely and clear message to reassure us He is in control. What a privilege for us to be the children of God.
I lodged another visa application for Lesly in November 2019. The Lord used many people to strengthen our faith and encourage us. The Church, Young Adults cell group, family, and friends prayed for us continuously. They encouraged us, offered godly and sound advice. And though Lesly and I were physically separated, we got closer to God, closer to each other, and our marriage became stronger. In February 2020, Lesly’s visa was granted! Praise God! Thirteen months after our wedding, a month after her visa was granted, four days before my country shut its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Lesly arrived in Melbourne. I thank God for His faithfulness. I thank Him for the process, the pruning, the lessons learnt during this journey. I thank Him for revealing many ungodly habits in my life which he uprooted and destroyed in the process. I thank Him for loving us so much that He did not let us stay where we were spiritually but took us through a process that made us more intimate with Him. I have so much more to learn, but I am confident that He who began the good work in me will see it to completion. If you are reading this testimony and do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, I encourage you to invite Him into your heart. God loves you. Jesus died on the cross of Calvary to pay for all your sins and to reconcile you with God. Come to Him. His arms are wide open to receive you. To God Be The Glory!!!
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Reach Testimony
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Reach Reflection
Fighting the spiritual war - A reflection of a health care worker
Reach / Winter 2020
By Lee Chyi Lam
In the Bible, there is often a spiritual implication of physical illness and its healing: Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinner, to repentance.” Matthew 9:2,4-7 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of a good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”….But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” – then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house. The whole world is now facing a health crisis, with far-reaching effects beyond the health sector. As a health care worker (HCW) working in two different public hospitals, this pandemic has a significant impact on what we do. Many policies and procedures were developed to prepare us to fight the pandemic. They were implemented, and modified, as we received new information regarding the virus and its spread in the community. Although I had never gone through a war; at one stage, I felt as if we were preparing for a war, in this case, fighting a deadly virus. I was reminded of the spiritual war all Christians face. I was prompted to reflect on how well prepared (or not prepared) I am in fighting the spiritual war. In the Bible, there are many references on spiritual war, that we need to be well prepared, “for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). And our enemies, the devils, scheme to attack us: 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. But we do not need to be fearful, for God has given us the authority to defeat the devil: Luke 10:18-19 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
So, as I was prepared to fight this pandemic in the hospital, I reflected on the lessons I learnt about fighting the spiritual war.
Protecting ourselves with the right equipment: the armour of God To protect ourselves from being infected by the virus, HCWs are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever we come into contact with suspected cases. There is great emphasis on putting each piece of the PPE correctly and properly. We are required to rehearse it multiple times with our colleagues. In an emergency situation, a person is designated to be the “watchdog” to ensure that we don and doff correctly. Similarly, God has provided us with what we need to fight the spiritual war: Ephesians 6:13-18 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. How well do you know each piece of God’s armour for you to fight the spiritual war? Are you taking the time to learn about them and practise to put them on properly? If not, you will not stand when the trials come.
Preventing the spread of viruses and vices: confession of sins Donning and doffing PPE properly does not only protect us from being infected, but also prevents us from spreading the viruses to others. HCWs are also advised not to come to work and get ourselves tested if we have any symptoms at all. Stations are set up at every entrance of the hospital to test the temperature of all visitors and staff. Similarly, we are to be on guard of our spiritual symptom of sin. Fortunately, God does not require us to be isolated from others when we are “infected” by “vices”. To prevent the spread of our vices – within us, and to others - we are to confess them to God, to repent and to pray for forgiveness. Proverbs 28:13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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We can be sure of victory, but we still have a battle to fight, until a time when the devil is cast from the earth: Revelation 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
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Reach Reflection
Reach / Winter 2020
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Reach Reflection
Preserving those who are vulnerable: rest in God In the hospitals, guideline is in place to exclude HCWs who are more prone to serious infection (e.g. those with chronic illness) from looking after patients with confirmed and/or suspected COVID-19. Similarly, Christians are commanded to protect and preserve those who are vulnerable among us: Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked. In addition, we all go through seasons in life, there are times when we are weak and vulnerable spiritually. During this time, instead of taking up more responsibilities, we are to rest in God to renew our strength. Hebrews 4:11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. Isaiah 40:30-31a Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength.
Penalising those who refuse to comply: admonish with love To win a battle, it is important that there is unity in the team. It is made clear to HCWs that anyone who is caught deliberately not complying with the procedures of keeping everyone safe, disciplinary action will be taken. In the body of Christ, we have the duty to warn and admonish each other, not to tear down, but to build up with love. Colossians 1:28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. As we continue to follow the recommendations to curb the spread of COVID-19, let us also obey the Word of God to be vigilant and to stand firm in our faith. One thing we can be sure of, as we rely on God’s power, our victory is guaranteed. Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.
Reviewed By Kent Lim
Warning movie spoiler ahead!
The Breakthrough movie is an inspirational true story set in the United States about a teenager named John who fell into an ice lake and went underwater for fifteen minutes. In such instance, there is little hope for survival. A divine intervention occurs and brings hope to the grim situation. The story follows his mother, Joyce who fought a tireless battle to ensure that John received all possible medical support in order for him to survive. It is a heartwarming story of a genuine camaraderie of a closeknit community that comes together to support a family experiencing a catastrophe. Recommended movie for a family night in. Additional tools and resources are also available on the movie’s official site to facilitate small group discussions.
The Young Adults (YA) group watched this movie during one of our Wednesday night meetings. We enjoyed this encouraging, moving and faith-building flick. There is a light hearted scene that up until this day, some of the YA members still talk about. The scene is of a worship session clip and the song “This is Amazing Grace” is performed. It was amusing because the music was delivered in a different “style” to what we normally would experience at our church service. Watch it, it’s fascinating! Though some parts of the story have been dramatised, I can relate to the identity, relational and faith issues which the characters faced. The main character John was adopted, and at a young age, he questioned his self-worth due to a sense of abandonment by his biological parents. His rebellious behaviour against his adopted mother Joyce and mischievous acts with friends led him to the unfortunate incident. All of us have struggled at some points in our life. The need to find our identity, purpose and value as a person. For some, it requires going through an event or series of events that either make or break us.
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Movie: Breakthrough A story of hope and miracle
Reach Movie
Reach / Winter 2020
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Reach Movie I am glad that John overcame this trial with God’s favour and realised how valuable his life is. He was grateful for the unbelievable second chance and used this opportunity to reach out to others who are struggling. For some, the outcome of their circumstances may not be as promising as John’s, or worse, devastating. In reality, some people may face life changing situations which can then lead them to question God’s fairness and goodness for the sufferings they have had to endure. Prolonged grief, depression or holding on to grudges often follow. A segment in the movie depicted such disappointments. After John had a miraculous recovery, he was confronted by his teacher with the question, “Why did God choose to save some and not others?” His teacher had lost a loved one in the past and could not come to terms with the unjust position. Indeed, it is tough for anyone to experience any hardships to any extent. In my own experience, I have learned to ask God the “What” and “How” questions instead of being bogged down by the “Why”. “What can I do or how can I glorify Him in these circumstances?” It is not an easy journey to trust in God but I know He cares. Another character that has intrigued me is John’s rescuer. A fireman who does not believe in a higher power but was instrumental in the rescue operation. John’s miraculous recovery left him flabbergasted and caused him to dig deep into his own core belief. I believe that God sometimes involves unbelievers in His good work and manifest to them. My prayer is for anyone out there to experience God’s presence and kindle the meaningful questions such as “Does God exist? Is He real?” to decide and to find the truth. In contrast, the movie also focused on Joyce who is a devout Christian. She faced an unwanted challenge against the voices of opposition throughout the ordeal. She was powerless and left vulnerable when a life and death situation of her child was on the line. In the end, she learnt to surrender to God who ultimately is in control, not her. John’s story is a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and I hope it will inspire you that He is Sovereign regardless of any outcome; and only with God, all things are possible even in the difficult times. Matthew 19:26b: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
This book was published in 1646, and written by Jeremiah Burroughs (15991646). Although it was written in the 17th century, the same era as William Shakespeare, it is an easy read, nothing of the abstruse old English that I anticipated. It is such a great read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt so much from it. The book can be roughly divided into six topics: The definition of Christian contentment Burroughs defined Christian contentment as “that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition”. He then expounded on what each characteristic means. The mysteries of contentment I particularly love this section, it opened my mind as Burroughs explained the mysteries of contentment, how it is contrary to our natural inclination; and if we understand them, we will acquire the art to practise it. Some of these mysteries include: 1. The most contented man in the world is the most unsatisfied man in the
Reviewed by Lee Chyi Lam
world - things that satisfy the world will not satisfy him; he can only be satisfied by God Himself. 2. Christians come to contentment not by adding to what we want, but by subtracting from our desires. 3. Christians come to contentment not by getting rid of our burden, but by adding another burden, “if you can get your heart to be more burdened with your sin, you will be less burdened with your afflictions”. 4. Contentment comes when we shift from working to change our circumstances to focus on our duty during the circumstances. 5. Contentment comes not by satisfying our will and desires, but by yielding them to God’s will and desires. Learning contentment from Jesus Christ Burroughs taught me to learn from Christ’s example of His earthly life: self-denial, the emptying of vanity, focus on eternity, treating life on earth as temporary, perceiving everything in reference to God, and to examine my heart. The excellence of contentment In this section, Burroughs painted the many beautiful benefits and radiant rewards of contentment. They are delights to the soul. The evils of discontentment Burroughs warned of the many evils of a murmuring spirit, the reason such spirit is damaging and unfitting for Christians. Practical tips to attain contentment Burroughs concluded his book by giving the readers some practical tips to attain contentment. This is a refreshing and riveting book, relevant to everyone, and I highly recommend it.
Reach / Winter 2020
Author: Jeremiah Burroughs
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Reach Book Review
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Reach Recipe
By Sup Man Chan
Reach / Winter 2020
Weet-Bix Mixed Fruit Cookies
Makes roughly 16 cookies Ingredients: 125g Butter, at room temperature 120g Sugar 2 tbsp Boiling water 1 cup Plain flour Âź tsp Sodium Bicarbonate 4 Weet-Bix, crushed 1 cup Dried mixed fruits Method: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Cream butter and sugar together. Add boiling water and beat well. Add flour and sodium bicarbonate, mix well. Add dried fruits and Weet-Bix, stir to combine. Make the mixture into small balls, roughly the size of a walnut, and place onto a greased tray. Bake at 180 ° C for 10-15 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool before serving.
How well do you know the Bible? Try this Bible trivia, and see how well you fare. Who were the first apostles called to follow Jesus Christ? (Mark 1:16-17) Upon which mountain did Elijah and the prophets of Baal meet to see whose god was real? (1 Kings 18:20-40) Who asked Pilate for the body of Jesus after the crucifixion? (Mark 15:43) How many years had Solomon been king when he began to build the temple? (2 Chronicles 3:2) In Revelation, what burns in the lake of fire? (Revelation 19:20) How long did it rain during Noah’s flood? (Genesis 7:4) How many days did Jesus appear to his disciples after his resurrection? (Acts 1:3) What is the name of Moses’ wife? (Exodus 2:21) What island was John on when he was given the vision of Revelation? (Revelation 1:9) What was the first bird that Noah let out of the ark? (Genesis 8:6-7) What is the name of the father of John the Baptist? (Luke 1:13) On what mountain did Moses receive the law from God? Who restored the sight of Saul of Tarsus? (Acts 9:17-18) Who is the third son of Adam and Eve? (Genesis 4:25) Where did Jesus Christ go immediately after He was baptised by John the Baptist? (Mark 1:9-12)
Answers: Q1. Simon (Peter) and Andrew Q2. Mount Carmel Q3. Joseph of Arimathea Q4. 4 years Q5. Brimstone Q6. 40 days and 40 nights Q7. 40 days Q8. Zipporah Q9. Patmos Q10. Raven Q11. Zacharias or Zechariah Q12. Mount Sinai Q13. Ananias Q14. Seth Q15. The Wilderness
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
19 Reach / Winter 2020
Bible Trivia
Reach Teaser